Twelve Igbo Doctors Unite to Build Cutting-Edge Hospital in Anambra, Ending Medical Tourism Dreams [VIDEO]

 

A groundbreaking event recently marked a significant milestone in Anambra State’s healthcare landscape as twelve distinguished Igbo medical doctors joined forces to establish a world-class tertiary hospital. The ambitious project, named Pinnacle Consultant Hospital and Clinics, promises to offer comprehensive medical services and cutting-edge healthcare innovations in Ojoto, Idemili South local government area.

The construction, overseen by GUMEC Nigeria Limited, drew a diverse gathering of dignitaries and stakeholders. Among those present were Governor Charles Soludo’s representative, Commissioner of Health Dr. Afam Obidike; Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, the traditional ruler of Ojoto; Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council; Chief Louis Onwugbenu, Chairman of the Louis Carter Group; Silvester Okonkwo, Executive Director of the South East Development Commission; and numerous medical professionals and community leaders.

At the forefront of the initiative, Professor Ndubueze Fidelis Okonkwo, president of the United Doctors, underscored the urgent need for accessible, high-quality health care across Nigeria. “Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved only for the wealthy or famous,” he declared, emphasizing that all individuals deserve equal access to the best medical treatment. His vision includes not only delivering top-tier clinical care but also fostering global partnerships to elevate healthcare standards across Africa.

Highlighting the widespread challenge of medical tourism, Prof. Okonkwo noted the irony that many Nigerians travel abroad seeking treatment, only to find Nigerian doctors leading those foreign medical institutions. “Nigerians possess the intellect and capability to provide excellent healthcare,” he stated, lamenting the lack of advanced medical equipment and training facilities at home. By leveraging the expertise of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, who hold prominent positions internationally, the project aims to reverse this trend.

Pinnacle Consultant Hospital will pioneer specialized services such as transplantation medicine—initially focusing on kidney and pancreas transplants—with plans to expand to other advanced procedures over time. A cancer treatment center is also slated to open soon, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to tackling critical health challenges. Prof. Okonkwo articulated a strong commitment to values like good governance, compassion, integrity, and patient-centered care, asserting that the hospital will embody these principles at its core.

The project’s realization owes much to the generous support of Chief Louis Onwugbenu, a notable philanthropist who has invested approximately two billion naira into the initiative. Inspired by a personal health ordeal during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Onwugbenu pledged to use his resources to create a healthcare facility that serves those who cannot afford top-quality medical care. His involvement underscores the critical role of private-sector partnerships in driving healthcare transformation in Nigeria.

Engr. Ifeanyichukwu Godson Ume, chairman of GUMEC Nigeria Limited, confirmed that the hospital will feature all major medical departments and is on track for completion by the end of 2026. The contractor’s confidence in the project’s timely delivery reflects the robust planning and execution underway.

The local community expressed strong support for the hospital’s development. HRH Igwe Gerald Mbamalu praised the twelve doctors for their visionary collaboration, noting that the facility would significantly reduce the need for medical tourism among residents, thereby improving health outcomes and boosting local confidence in Nigerian healthcare.

This collaborative endeavor between the diaspora and local stakeholders signals a hopeful future for healthcare in Anambra State. By combining global expertise with local commitment and strategic investment, Pinnacle Consultant Hospital and Clinics aims to set new standards in medical care, making world-class health services a reality for Nigerians on home soil.